Eat the colours of the rainbow

When you see bright colours do your moods become happier, more colourful?  When we see reds, yellows and orange it’s like our internal mood meter automatically lights up, we feel invigorated and happy. So what happens when we cook and eat with these colours? And what do we feel when we eat in season produce, produce in sync with the weather? We believe in the concept ‘you are what you eat’ and we believe that by eating in season, you are feeding your body with the highest nutrient dense foods possible which in turn can only make you feel better.

You are what you eat

Nature has a wonderful way of providing us with the foods that our bodies require for the shift in weather patterns.  In summer we are blessed with high water content foods such as cucumbers, watermelons and lettuce because we sweat more therefore we need more hydration. In Autumn/Winter we need warming foods, foods that are going to comfort us from the inside out so as you visit the farmers market each week you will see more pumpkins, peppers, dark leafy greens and our favourtie, Brussels sprouts all of which keep us well insulated and warm for the cooler months ahead.

Buying seasonally

Contrary to what some stores may sell us, not all produce is available all year round.  Your beloved tomato, rockmelon even garlic is not available 365 days a year.  As much as it saddens us to see the end of some of the seasons and the foods it provides us with, we are filled with even more excitement about the different foods & flavours the new season brings.

The benefits to eating seasonally

Taste
It goes without say that by eating in season produce it just tastes better.  Nature has taken care of this by naturally helping grow foods just right for the season.

Nutrient content
By eating in season and local might I add, you are eating foods that have less food miles and have not had to be stored to prolong shelf life.  The longer the shelf life, the less nutrients the food is going to provide you as once the fruit & vegetables have been harvested, they start to lose nutrients immediately.

Cost
Out of season foods are expensive.  They are expensive because they have had to be shipped from half way around the world so we are not only paying for the food but the food miles.

In season produce is cost effective because it’s just that, in season.  It’s the right time for nature to grow these foods, which means they are in abundance which helps keep the cost down.

Supporting local farmers
The best place to find in season fresh produce is your local farmers markets.  Here the farmers sell to you direct.  They can tell you when the produce was harvested (generally no more than 48 hours ago) and they can even inspire you with recipe ideas about how to cook and create with their produce.  Each food item has a story.  You become connected with those growing your food and more connected with the foods you consume.

Do we complicate food?

Food should not be complicated.  Food is our basic right and we are fortunate enough to live in a country that has plentiful supply of the fresh fruit and vegetables. This is something we should never take for granted. Food should not be purchased from a packet, heated in a microwave or sold to us as nutritious when the meal itself comes from a freezer.  In order to eat well, we need to change our eating habits.  We need to adopt better food behaviours and food practices and part of this is eating in season and buying fresh foods. Combine all of this with regular exercise, good sleeping patterns and a positive attitude, the days are going to be as bright as the foods you consume.